Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Sci-fi Fantasy Movies, July Movie Preview, and More!

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

My awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Natalie Aguirre, Jennifer Lane, MJ Fifield, Lisa Buie-Collard, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!

July 3 question: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?

Most of my characters are nothing like me. Aden from Dragon of the Stars is pretty much my polar opposite. Only Byron from my Cassa series got any of my traits – I’m also a perfectionist and like my privacy. When I was younger, I had his temper, but I outgrew that. Like most rock stars, I mellowed with age…

And on a side note, I have been writing! Around a thousand words a night for the past week. But I’m in the groove and should have a finished story by August.

Science Fiction - Fantasy Movies

I'm so excited to have a spot on IWSG day at the grand poobah's place!

Alex is a top notch movie reviewer and sci fi writer, among other fantastic things... So as I celebrate the release of WINDY HOLLOW, fantasy adventure, I thought a short post about my favorite sci-fantasy movies would be apropos. Sci-fantasy incorporates sci fi settings or tech with some mystical or magical components. In Beast World, the fantasy creatures are no strangers to modern-day technology!

Here are some of my favorites of yon and of late... I didn't want to take up too much space, and I bet you could name a bunch more in the comments!

Star Wars (1977 sci-fantasy at its finest!)
Time Bandits (1981)
The Secret of Nimh (1982)
Honey I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
The Matrix (1999)
I, Robot (2004)
WALL*E (2008)
Inception (2010)
Wreck It Ralph (2012)
Ready Player One (2018)

I always thought my Beast World stories would be awesome for an animated film series. They have everything I look for in a fantasy adventure movie: hijinks, young romance, difficult journeys, friendship, action, suspense, justice, unpredictability, highs, lows, soul-searching, unsung heroes, and lots of laughs. (Side note: I wrote this article back in January for my expected release back then... after some agony, I finally published it myself, then discovered a movie will be coming out next year: ONWARD by Pixar that is basically set in my Beast World. It’s been a devastating blow, but I’m working on getting noticed and taking it back!)

Anyway, thanks again for having me, Alex. I enjoyed the stroll down my sci-fantasy movie past and future. And for helping me get the word out about WINDY HOLLOW!

Did you think of a sci-fantasy movie you love? Ever wish your book could be turned into a movie?


WINDY HOLLOW
Beast World MG Fantasy Series, book #3
by Tara Tyler
Available NOW!

This summer, Gabe and his friends fly over the Great Sea for the wedding of the century: a dragon prince and a beautiful harpy. But Gabe can't relax on this vacation. Besides competing in rigorous wedding events, he overhears the nearby human village WINDY HOLLOW is in danger from an evil human scientist and a vengeful were-ogre experimenting on beasts. Gabe and his friends risk crossing the mountains to help, despite several warnings. 

Maybe he's going too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!





twitter: @taratylertalks
Instagram: taratylertalks
newsletter: tara tyler news

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

IWSG Anthology Contest

Don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Annual Anthology Contest is open and taking submissions!
Genre is middle grade historical – adventure/ fantasy and the theme is voyagers.
See the site for full details.

For those who are confused by the genre:
Middle grade – suitable for 9 – 14 year-old children.
Historical – it must have historical aspects and be set in a time before 2000 or earlier. It just needs to be set in the past.
Adventure/fantasy – the subgenre can be either adventure OR fantasy. The fantasy genre is acceptable as there are many ancient cultures and times that believed in supernatural occurrences.

Book News!


My publisher is running a Fourth of July special - buy a book and get a free book.

Full details on their site.


Poisoned by the Pier by Ellen Jacobson

Life without chocolate and junk food—completely miserable. Finding someone poisoned by a cake—even worse.
Can Mollie nab the murderer before someone else is poisoned?
Spoiler Alert: You’ll never look at rutabagas the same way again after you finish reading this book!

Find Poisoned at the Pier on Amazon and Goodreads
Find Ellen at her website and blog

July Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for July! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

2 –

Spiderman: Far From Home
Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Zendaya, Angourie Rice, Tom Holland, Jon Favreau
Saw this on opening night - awesome! Don't miss it. And stay for the double ending. Totally worth it. Review next week!



12 –

Stuber
A detective recruits his Uber driver into an unexpected night of adventure.
Director: Michael Dowse
Stars: Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista, Betty Gilpin, Kumail Nanjiani
Drax takes an Uber…

Crawl
A young woman, while attempting to save her father during a Category 5 hurricane, finds herself trapped in a flooding house and must fight for her life against alligators. Director: Alexandre Aja
Stars: Kaya Scodelario, Barry Pepper, Ross Anderson, Anson Boon
Alligators attacking during a hurricane. I dread the Asylum/SyFy rip-off coming – Sharknado vs. Hurrigator.



19 –

The Lion King
After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery.
Director: Jon Favreau
Stars: John Kani, Seth Rogen, Donald Glover, Keegan-Michael Key
At this point, Disney doesn’t need an original thought ever again…



26 –

Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood
A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Sydney Sweeney
Tarantino puts 70’s Hollywood in a blender.




Do your characters have your personality traits? What are your favorite science fiction - fantasy films? Picking up Windy Hollow,  Poisoned at the Pier, or another book? (Ellen will be here on Monday!) Submitting to the IWSG Anthology Contest? And what July movies catch your eye?

103 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

You are writing up a storm? Wonderful. You certainly disprove the one hit wonder theory. Time and time again.

Sarah Foster said...

Congrats to Tara and Ellen!
Is it weird that I have no desire to see The Lion King even though it was my favorite movie when I was little? Maybe I just prefer sticking to the original.

Lisa said...

I love it when the writing bug hits you! Good luck with the writing streak! I would like to see Spiderman and perhaps Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Tarentino has brought his senseless violence and mayhem down to an acceptable roar(for me!) lately so I'll probably see it even if the "blender" thought spooks me!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex – I can see your thought process re your personal traits … I’m much the same, but don’t write stories – but have mellowed over the years. Congratulations on the writing – that’s great you’re in the groove. Congratulations to Tara too for her new MG Fantasy .. . ‘Windy Hollow’ – good luck Tara.

Great that Dancing Lemur Press is have an Independence Day special … should be a lucky opportunity to get that extra book … I might watch the Tarantino one … but perhaps not.

Cheers and thanks for all you do – enjoy the summer life and writing … Hilary

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

Shady Del Knight and a few of the SPMM deejays I created bring out my personality traits to an extent that I never do in real life. I am excited about three of the films you previewed. I'd like to see Stuber because I enjoy movies about a night of adventure such as American Graffiti. As a Florida resident who is often up to my ears in alligators, Crawl would Shirley strike close to home. QT's Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood is the picture I am most eager to see because 1969 was one of my favorite years and H-wood stories fascinate me. See Boogie Nights.

Enjoy your I-Day, good buddy Alex!

Erika Beebe said...

I think my main characters tend to have either the traits I wished I had, or some internal struggles of my own. As far as science fiction films, I LOVE Contact. I know it's suspense, but it seems like there is also a sci-fi element to it. Congratulations Tara and Ellen! I'm going with the Lion King! I love it! My kids are excited too :) Happy IWSG Day :)

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
I'm laughing because all of my characters have little bits of me in them, including my villains. :-)
Wishing you a happy fourth, and it's good to hear you're writing again.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G

Truedessa said...

Good morning

I am very excited to hear you are writing. That means we might get a long awaited book.

My favorite was Dragon of the Stars. I felt Aden was a strong character. I think he did have a trait of yours as you are a private person. Aden was untouchable as he sacrificed himself to isolation. Out of reach physically to Tamsin, but bonded forever in spirit.

That is why i wrote my own short story/poem to create an adventure and outcome to please my muse.

Hurricane and alligators reminds me of a camping trip in Florida as a hurricane rolled in the river over-flowed and we had to evacuate. There were alligators scary stuff.

Happy 4th of July!

Lynn La Vita said...

Hey Rock Star, glad you turned your energy and spirit into writing and inspiring others. Nice grove to be: writing to wee hour of the morning.

Special shout-out to Tara and Ellen!

Lynn La Vita @ Writers Supporting Writers

Karen Baldwin said...

Wow! 1,000 words a day? You're definitely in the groove! May the writing force stay with you. And a movie with both Brad and Leonardo? Oh yeah! A must see for me.

Chemist Ken said...

What with all the time I have to write now, you'd think a thousand words a day would be easy for me. It's not. Glad to see YOU'RE getting something accomplished in the writing area. I'll use your progress for inspiration.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sarah, we'll only see it because of the director and the amazing animation.

Lisa, considering he might direct the next Star Trek, let's hope the violence is toned down a bit.

Crawl will make you think twice about hurricanes, Shady!

Truedessa, you might be right about that. I am a private person. Not driven like Aden though.

Ken, write man, write!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Well done on all that writing, Alex!

I think I'm going to have see Crawl. Just because. :)

I recently watched "Us" - it was pretty good, and I really liked "The Prodigy." I'm looking forward to "The Art of Racing in the Rain" which I think comes out in August....

Nick Wilford said...

Great to hear you're writing again! I hope the groove continues...

Joanne said...

glad you are cranking out words - no doubt, awesome words. Glad the juices flow but you still have time to see Spiderman. I'm hooked already and shall see Far From Home. Fun! I also think it looks like Quentin has nailed this next flick - Leo and Brad - how bad can it be?
Have a safe and happy July 4th!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Glad to hear that you're writing is going well.

I don't have time to see all of these movies now and want to see most so I may have to wait to see some on Netflix. Thanks for the movie reviews.

Teresa C.

The Cynical Sailor said...

I love your snarky movie comments, especially the one about Disney not needing an original idea again :)

Congrats to Tara. I've read Windy Hollow and it's great!

Jennifer Lane said...

One thousand words a night is great progress! Good luck getting the story wrapped up in August--that's exciting.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats on your writing, Alex! Also congrats to Tara and everyone else with new releases!

My son and I saw Far From Home last night, and we both enjoyed it.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

My all time favourite S/F is still BladeRunner. I liked the new one, but the old one still feels great, even after all these years. Alex, you're an inspiration!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Yes, you are definitely a private person, Alex, because you don't have an author picture. I often wonder what you look like.

That's so awesome how much you are writing. I'm on a slower roll, but am glad to be finally rolling more consistently.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Oooo . . . nice that you're writing! I'm excited to see what your project is.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Wow, 1k a night is fantastic!! Keep it up!!

I've lowered my writing goals because I'm working through a block. My goal is 500 words a day. (sometimes, I can't reach that) It takes the pressure off, and I'm hoping to crash through that writing barrier.

Happy 4th!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Madeline, glad you checked out Prodigy.

Ellen, glad I amused you.

Joylene, thanks, and the first one is still awesome.

Natalie, you wouldn't be impressed...

Tyrean Martinson said...

Favorite Sci-fantasy - probably Star Wars and all comic book heroes, and Tara Tyler's world.
Congrats to Tara and Ellen!
And congratulations on your 1000 words a day, Alex!

Sadira Stone said...

Happy 4th, Captain Alex! May your writing groove continue to sparkle like--well, like sparklers!

Anonymous said...

Man, you are in the groove, rocking the words! I'm kicking it, too, now that I'm so close to finishing my first first draft.

Not much of me in my characters, personality-wise. Certainly my knowledge about professions, how things work, etc. Mechanical stuff.

Congrats to Ellen and Tara! I've read Poisoned on the Pier - fun read! I'll definitely check out Windy Hollow.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I'm glad to hear you're mellowing with age. (If I get any more mellow, I won't be breathing...)

Star Wars is probably my favorite sci-fantasy. The first time I saw it in the theater, I was completely enthralled. Are the Jurassic Park flicks considered sci-fantasy? If so, they've gotta be near the top of my list, too. (But the book's better.)

Just curious. Have you been watching "Songland" on TV? If not, I think you might like it.

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Congrats Ellen and Tara! It's great that you're in a writing groove, Alex. I'm currently finishing projects, so it's more work than fun. I don't think I'll be watching the new releases...

cleemckenzie said...

I'm glad someone's writing. I've forgotten how to do it. Happy 4th!

Mary Aalgaard said...

Disney is lazy. I saw Rocketman with my son. We both loved it. Thanks for all you do for IWSG!
Mary

Liza said...

A thousand words a night? I'm impressed. Not only at the thousand words, but that you do it at night. I'm an early bird. By 6:00 pm my brain is mostly fried. Happy writing and happy 4th!

Lidy said...

Can you share some of that groove with me?

Oh, I think I remember The Secret of Nimh. I admit that though I liked Honey I Shrunk the Kid, I loved the sequel Honey I Blew Up the Kid more. Also liked WALL*E and Wreck It Ralph but haven’t seen its sequel yet.

Most of my favorite sci-fantasy movies I love came out in the 80s and 90s. Love Willow, Weird Science, Bill and Ted, The Running Man, Terminator 1 & 2, The Sword in the Stone. Though it was an animated TV series, and only had one season, The Pirates of Dark Water.

mail4rosey said...

We liked the Spidey movie. Congrats on getting all of that writing done. It's nice when all things align and you can get in the groove. We might go see the Lion King movie. The Tarantino movie might be good too, but I have to get a babysitter to go see that one. :)

Jemi Fraser said...

So much goodness! Loved Ellen's book and am looking forward to Tara's! I need more reading time!!! :)
My fave sci-fantasy is Star Wars as well. McCaffrey's PERN series is another!

Chrys Fey said...

A thousand words a night? That's awesome! *high-five*

Hi, Tara! :D

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Tara, we did watch an ad for that movie and it's a lot like your stories all right.

I want to see Lion King. Thank goodness they brought James Earl Jones back to voice Mufasa. No one else could do it.

Juneta key said...

Congrats Tara. I loved all the movies you listed too. I am interested in Spidy 2 but have to see End Game first have not seen it yet. Also interested in Lion King and Once Upon A Time. Happy IWSG Day!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, I like what you said, "Like most rock stars, I mellowed with age." I can never imagine you with a temper. I don't know why, I always feel that you are a cool and calm person.
1000 words a night is great. I hope to do the same when I start my new book next month.

Andrew Leon said...

Went to MiB last night, but I AM going to Spider-Man tonight.
You know the world is REALLY messed up when I can't make opening night for a Spider-Man movie!

Stacy McKitrick said...

My characters would be pretty boring if they were like me! I'm sure there are bits and pieces of me in my characters, but it's not anything I do intentionally, that's for sure. Now... maybe they're like how I WISH I were. Sometimes.

Patricia JL said...

Way to go with the words, Alex.
Congrats to Tara!

Liesbet said...

I just can't believe another month has passed. All it reminds is of my ineffectiveness about my own writing projects! But, I'm collecting many memories (and story ideas - always) instead. :-)

Congrats on being on a roll with your writing every night, Alex. A thousand words a day is pretty awesome. And then comes the fun editing stage.

A movie with two endings? I would stay for that. And, a new Tarantino film. Yep, I will want to watch "Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood" one day! If not for the director or the story, then for the cast. I'll wait for when the nights get longer again.

Computer Tutor said...

What a list! That cover for Lion King--makes me want to see it.

Birgit said...

I can see where one puts a little bit of oneself into a character or one they know of. Congrats on you writing up a storm...good for you. As for Sci-Fi films... War of The Worlds 1953 version. The Day The Earth Stood Still again the 1951[?) version which is the best by the way. Mars Attacks, Star Trek...anything except maybe #5...the whole hippie Vulcan guy didn’t work for me. Invasion of the Body Snatchers-1956(?) version. The Empire Strikes Back, Time Bandits..brilliant! The Martian, Journey To The Centre of the Earth, again 1958(?) version. That’s it for now🤪. I want to see the Tarantino film even though it is about the grisly murder of Sharon Tate and others. I hope he doesn’t glorify it that is my main concern.

Tonja Drecker said...

Yay to Tyler and Ellen! I needed a movie to see, so Spiderman it is! As to Disney not having an original idea...I can only sigh.

Carrie-Anne said...

Congratulations to Tara and Ellen!

I need to start writing my IWSG Anthology Contest story soon. I'll have to set aside some time to do a little more research on certain parts, and then I should be good to go.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

1,000 words per day is great. I have so many scifi and fantasy movies I love. July 4th always reminds me how great Independence Day was and still is. Looking forward to the new Spiderman and Stuber.

Debra Renée Byrd said...

I never thought of The Matrix and I, Robot being Sci-Fantasy, interesting. I can definitely see The Matrix as it, though, when I think about. I used to LOVE Secret of Nimh. <3

The Lion King comes out on my BIRTHDAY!

Jean Davis said...

Yay for writing! Keep it up!

Oh wow, Time Bandits. I haven't thought about that movie in ages. Secret of Nimh was great too. I've watched that one so many times.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

My (female) characters are like me - just more fierce and feisty.
Got that right about Disney - I'm assuming. Who needs and original thought when you can rake in millions for turning the pages back?

Cheers and Happy 4th, Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, that made me chuckle. And no, I haven't seen that show.

Liza, my brain doesn't switch on until almost lunch.

Lidy, I remember those movies well.

Rosey, definitely not a film for kids!

Diane, he is Mufasa.

Juneta, you have to see Endgame first!

Rachna, I am now!

Andrew, prepare for a packed theater tonight.

Birgit, the Body Snatchers film I liked best was the late 70's version.

Carrie-Anne, please do!

Susan, and then they made a crappy sequel.

kimlajevardi.com said...

Yay on the words! Interesting about mellowing with age. In my twenties and thirties I was definitely more mellow. But now that I'm in my forties, I am as feisty as I was when I was a teenager. It's weird.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Whoops! I forgot IWSG day again. I'll post on Monday (I hope that isn't too late). Until then here's a thank you for posting all this sci-fi news and staying on top of things, Alex :). Have a great fourth of July.

J E Oneil said...

Good for you! Keep writing!

Really, I think Disney ran out of original ideas sometime before Snow White came out...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hey guys! Tara is traveling and can't comment with her phone. Here are some of her responses:

thanks for the sweet support, you guys!

joylene- i love the old blade runner too-great choice!

sandra-jurassic park is def sci-fantasy, excellent pick

lidy-i agree, ALL those titles are awesome! oh the memories

jemi-pern sparked my dragon collection!

andrew-MIB, another sci-fantasy i love!

birgit-ooo yes, the martian & journey to the center of earth (old & newer)!

alex- you rock and keep on rockin! congrats on the writing bug, feed it!

i need to get out more, love your movie blurbs, and youre right about disney—if they only listen to who they have, they’ll never make anything new! they need to take chances on US!

Diane Burton said...

Congrats on your writing, Alex. You are in the zone! I want to see Where'd You Go, Bernadette? Read it with my book group. Should be a fun movie.

Tara, congrats on your new release. Just got my copy and can't wait to read.

Fundy Blue said...

Way to go, Alex! You know I'll be preordering your next book! Sci-fi and fantasy films are my favs. I'll have to add "Lord of the Rings" and "Galaxy Quest" to the list. Trust me, I could name at least two dozen more!! Congrats to Tara and Ellen on their new releases. I finished Damien Larkin's "Big Red" which was quite a ride. I really liked the premise behind it. I've checked off a few more Marvel movies ~ Loved "Thor!" All the best to you!

Suzanne Furness said...

So good to hear of your renewed writing energies, Alex. 1000 words a night is very good and it inspires me and encourages me to find my writing groove once more.

Rhonda Albom said...

My unfinished (and not currently being worked on book) is a creative non-fiction. So I would have to say yes, they are are us, so hopefully, they have our traits. Congrats on writing and I look forward to your next book. And also congrats to Tara.

M.J. Fifield said...

I loved The Secret of Nimh as a kid. I should really watch it again.

Looking forward to seeing the new Spiderman movie at some point.

And 1000 words a night is pretty damn amazing. Well done!

Nilanjana Bose said...

One thousand per night is awesome impressive - congratulations on being so productive!

Don't think I write any of my traits into my characters, at least not knowingly...they'd make for some dull reading that way :)

Have a wonderful 4th of July, it's already 4th where I am.

The Angry Lurker said...

Looking forward to Tarantino and maybe a little Stuber!

Arlee Bird said...

Recently I watched Annihilation twice over two days (unusual for me to do). I thought that was one of the better sci-fi/fantasy films I've seen recently.


Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Susan Kane said...

All on that list were big then in our children's memories. We watched them over and over. Good choices.

I watch I, Robot yesterday. It is one of our "go-to" movies.

Lately I have been writing up a storm. Not a book, yet. But a compilation of my blog posts as seen by thecontemplativecat.

PJ Colando said...

Hey Rock Star Ninja of this band of Insecures - loved the sweet movie, Yesterday!

Olga Godim said...

Your muse must be singing with the thousand words a night.
A Hollywood movie sounds delicious.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi Alex..

Congrats on the writing! You are ROCKIG IT!

My characters definitely have many of my traits, the good and the not so good. Not that I have many of those, LOL....

CONGRATS TARA!!!! SO excited for the third book in the BEAST series!!!! As usual, I must have it signed. LOL. Since I have all you books signed. ALL the best with book three!

(Sorry to read about PiXAR... it still won't have your charm, so don't give up hope!)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kim, I picture you so young though.

Michael, no worries!

Diane, she will appreciate that.

Louise, Galaxy Quest rocked!

Fran, I'll see what the reviewers say first...

Lee, it was really unique! Hard to say I liked it though.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

There's sure a lot going on. Congratulations on your writing. August isn't far away. It's interesting that your characters don't have your personality traits. Neat that they're themselves. Have a safe 4th.





Pat Hatt said...

Pumping lots of words out each night is a win indeed. Always good to outgrow a temper too haha Spiderman is sure one to watch.

A fine list of movies for sure.

Leslie S. Rose said...

I've always been a huge fan of the Dune books. I'm hoping the reboot will do the story more justice than the previous film. I do love its soundtrack though. Happy summer.

Gwen Gardner said...

You're making awesome progress on your writing--1000 words is a lot for someone with a full-time day job. Well done!

Congrats to everyone on their new releases! You guys rock!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Time Bandits!! That takes me back! lol. I loved that movie, even though it was terrible. Best wishes for your book, Tara

Great to hear you're writing again, Alex.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is the movie for me! I'm adding it to my list...and might even make it a big screen with buttered popcorn outing.

Stephen Tremp said...

Best wishes to Tara Tyler and her latest and greatest Windy Hollow. Looking forward to Sharknado vs. Hurrigator. You know it's coming!

Liz A. said...

Nice when the writing is going well. Tara, yikes, nothing quite like having your idea stolen by Hollywood ;)

Murees Dupè said...

Yay, on writing again. Enjoy. Congrats to Tara.

Shannon Lawrence said...

I haven't seen End Game yet, so I have to wait to see that first. Congratulations to Tara and Ellen!

Anonymous said...

I love hearing that you're rockin' and rollin' with writing again, Alex. Go you!! That's awesome!

I enjoy having a character that is the opposite of me too. It's fun to have someone to be "evil" and get inside their head. haha

Elsie

Tara Tyler said...

Finally got to sit at my computer and write another response.
Always so many great folks here, Alex. Thanks again for having me!
Love hearing from so many, especially those I haven't seen in a while-totally my fault. miss you guys. thanks for the support!

Diane B - you're so sweet! thanks! hope you enjoy =)
Fundy Blue - How could i forget Galaxy Quest! I love that one!
Arlee - You convinced me, I must watch Annihilation!
Susan K - Yes, I can watch I, Robot any day, any time!
Michael D - you're the best reviewer! book coming your way!
Liz A - yeah, it kinda sucks

thanks again, Alex! so glad to have IWSG to cling to!

Julie Flanders said...

Congratulations on your amazing writing progress! That's fantastic. And you made me laugh about being an aging rock star LOL.
Happy 4th to you and your family, Alex. :)

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Congratulations to Tara and Allen!

I'm glad to see how inspired you are, Alex! Also, a note on Beast World... Sigh...I've had that happen to me where I'd written a book only to find out later that a movie shares the same premise. That has happened twice on me so far. Arg!!! Maybe we can make that work to our advantage?

Sandra said...

Love Ellen's blurb:) Heh.
Happy 4th, Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Beverly, they are themselves.

Lynda, no - it was quirky, not terrible!

Patricia, living wild. there.

Stephen, coming in all its awfulness.

Tara, you're welcome!

Julie, I am here to amuse!

Elizabeth, twice?

Happy Fourth, Sandra!

Mary Kirkland said...

I will definitely be watching that Spiderman movie at some point. I just recently got around to watching Captain Marvel and I loved it.

Angela Brown said...

I've been enojoying Tara's shares on Instagram, some that showed some of the very striking similarities between her book and Onward. I've also taken her Beast survey and will be sharing the results at my blog.
So cool :-)

And Spiderman is on my radar to check out soon. The other movies mentioned...I'll have to see, with the exception of Crawl. Just...no.

Al Penwasser said...

Spiderman was my favorite character growing up, so I'll definitely go see the new movie. Even though I'm not a big fan of the Iron Man connection. And, MOST especially, sexy Aunt May. Aunt May isn't supposed to be sexy.

Nicki Elson said...

Hooray that you're in a writing groove, Alex.

"grand poobah" - Tara, you're adorbs. Congrats on the release of the Beast World 3rd installment! Oh, but how crazy to see your world show up in another franchise's movie. Good for you moving forward and getting noticed.

Sci-Fantasy - yes, that's how I like my sci.

Roland Clarke said...

I'm with Joylene Nowell Butler on liking Blade Runner - the original rather than the new one. Director's Cut as well.

Jo said...

Phew what a lot happening. I like the sound of Tara's book. Mind you I already told Liz I was going to get the first book by Ellen. Need to look at Dancing Lemur's offer too.

I loved some of the movies on Tara's list but I think WALL*E was my favourite. I don't get to the movies much any more but I can get a lot of up to date DVDs from my local library.

Sorry haven't been commenting lately, life is a tad busy these days.

C.D. Gallant-King said...

I am not embarrassed to say I am super hype for Stuber...

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

As a huge Tarantino fan, I'm eager to see OUATIH, but Crawl is also a flick I'm super excited about. It looked great from the trailer.

dolorah said...

I need to get back to "writing up a storm" too. Good luck Tara.

Denise Covey said...

Alex, so pleased you're writing up a storm. I wish you all the best!

Renee Scattergood said...

Congrats on the writing spree! That's pretty awesome. I haven't been doing as well. Haven't written anything since Monday, but this was a hectic week so I'm hoping to catch up this coming week.

I really can't wait to see the new Spiderman movie! Unfortunately, it probably won't be until it comes out on DVD. :(

Kalpana said...

There's nothing quite as wonderful as when the writing bug hits you. Giving your character your temper is a great idea.
Congratulations to Tara for Windy Hollow.

mshatch said...

Favorite scifi films, in no particular order: Contact, the first three Star Wars films (No JarJar!!!), Arrival, Aliens, and both Guardians of the Galaxy.

I do love a good scifi movie :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Al, it's odd to see who she starts dating in this movie...

Roland, sadly the director's cut took out the best lines in the movie though.

Jo, no worries.

Damien Larkin said...

Congrats on all that writing, Alex. It's great when you get into the flow and it comes pouring out. Good luck with your project!

Magic Love Crow said...

Congrats on the writing Alex! I am so happy for you!
Congrats to Tara! I love the image of the book!
I hope you had a great 4th of July!

Toi Thomas said...

Love the cover for Windy Hollow.
I enjoyed reading Poisoned by the Pier. I'm gonna go back and read the others in the series.
Looking forward to Spiderman and Lion King but not expecting too much from the latter.

J.H. Moncrieff said...

There's always a character in every book who seems to have my sarcasm.

I'm definitely getting Poisoned by the Pier. I absolutely LOVE that series.

Congrats on the writing! That's always such a great feeling.